Friday, January 11, 2013

Killer red tide will be here for a while - Avoid shellfish!

The red tide can kill. And it is here to stay (and continue killing) until at least June, according to the Fisheries Department.

Daily Express. Jan 10, 2013

POORLY INFORMED OR PLAIN IGNORANCE?

Just few days ago we were taken aback by the death of two victims who consumed shellfish collected from nearby waters. We were shocked not because we come to realise that 'red tide' can kill but by the fact that people continue to consume toxic marine produce. Have they not been informed of the risk?

It is high time the relevant authorities come down in aggressive manner telling people about the real danger of consuming sea produce at this moment. Not that the departments - Fisheries Dept., and Health Dept. - failed to do so. In fact you've read numerous reminders from either of these government agencies in the local and national tabloids. But I think it is just not sufficient.

When I say 'aggresive' I was talking about going down to the grassroots - the sea villages, fisherman communities, the JKKKs. But also not forgetting the consumer side of the food chain. Buntings, leaflets, banners along the main roads for instance, are good means of sending out message. Television adverts and SMS services can be intensified.

Fatality CAN and SHOULD be avoided - via prevention and not by treatment.

WHAT TO AVOID

All types of shellfish or bivalves including -

oysters

mussels

cockles, and

any type of seafood with shells

Don't eat or sell them.

THE RED TIDE TOXIN

The red tide toxin in shellfish is analysed using the mouse bioassay method and results are given as Mouse Unit (MU). Threshold level considered safe for humans is 400 MU. Anything above this is dangerous.